# What You'll Need:
→ Bread Dough
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant dry yeast
03 - 1 tsp granulated sugar
04 - 1 tsp salt
05 - 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1 large egg (for egg wash)
→ Spinach Dip
08 - 7 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and excess water squeezed out
09 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
10 - 3.5 oz sour cream
11 - 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 3.5 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
16 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
17 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
→ Decoration (optional)
18 - Cherry tomatoes or olives (for eyes and nose)
# Directions:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45 to 60 minutes until doubled in size.
02 - In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and nutmeg until fully blended. Fold in the drained spinach until evenly incorporated. Set aside.
03 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and divide into two portions. Roll the larger portion into a thick rope and form a ring approximately 9 inches in diameter on the baking sheet. Cut and shape the smaller portion into branched antlers and secure them to the ring. Slice a slit along the top of the ring without cutting through and fill gently with the spinach mixture.
04 - Brush the dough with the beaten egg to achieve a golden crust. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through, and the filling is hot and bubbling.
05 - Optionally, place cherry tomatoes or olives on the ring to resemble eyes and a nose, completing the reindeer shape.
06 - Serve warm, allowing guests to pull apart sections and enjoy the spinach dip inside.
